Good Images, Terrible Truths: Why We Still Struggle to Believe Victims
By now, we’ve seen it happen too many times to count: beloved public figures revealed as abusers. From Danny Masterson’s conviction for rape to the allegations against Russell Brand, society has learned that fame, charm, and a polished image can easily mask horrific behavior. We’ve watched powerful men fall from grace and yet, despite these revelations, we still struggle to believe victims.
This disbelief isn’t just about maintaining a cherished memory of a favorite TV show or celebrity. It’s part of a deeper cultural resistance to fully reckoning with abuse. The truth is, even when survivors come forward with credible evidence and share their stories publicly, many people still look for reasons to doubt them. Our political climate is a glaring example of this dissonance: We currently have a convicted rapist in the White House, yet millions continue to support and defend him.
The discomfort and confusion people feel when allegations surface are small reflections of the complex emotions that survivors navigate daily—especially when their abuser is someone they trusted, knew, and even loved. We like to believe that abusers are easy to spot, fitting a clear and obvious mold. But the facts tell a different story: One in three girls and one in five boys will experience sexual abuse in the U.S., and 90% of those children know their abuser. Most of the time, abuse isn’t committed by a stranger but by someone familiar, even admired.
Despite this reality, rape culture persists. It thrives on our unwillingness to fully accept that people we know—or even those in positions of immense power—can cause harm. When we dismiss allegations because the accused doesn’t “seem like that type of person,” we enable systems that protect abusers and silence survivors.
The #MeToo movement cracked open the door, allowing for more public conversations about accountability. Yet the backlash against survivors remains fierce, especially when the accused hold wealth, status, or political influence. High-profile survivors like E. Jean Carroll have faced brutal public scrutiny, even after legal victories that confirmed their experiences.
We must confront the uncomfortable truth: People who seem good are fully capable of doing terrible things. Dismissing accusations outright isn’t just unfair—it perpetuates harm. We need to hold space for survivors, believe their stories, and demand accountability, regardless of who stands accused.
Being victimized is never a choice. Children and vulnerable individuals deserve protection, and we all have a role to play in dismantling the cultural narratives that allow abuse to thrive. If you suspect someone is being harmed, take action. Resources and support are available.
If you’re unsure where to start, contact me. I’m here to help connect you with resources and guidance. Let’s work together to amplify survivors’ voices and challenge the systems that too often protect the powerful at the expense of the vulnerable.